Volume One: The Hidden Dragon in the Abyss Chapter Twenty-Six: First Meeting the Heroes

Liu Heng reined in his horse, his voice not loud, yet it cut clearly through the biting wind: "The Colonel of the Capital (Sili Xiaowei) and Marquis of Yangwu, Liu Heng, having heard the call to arms from General Yuan, has come to join the alliance."

"The Colonel of the Capital? The Marquis of Yangwu?"

The gatekeeper was stunned. The name Liu Heng was not prominent in the east of the Hangu Pass, but the title "Colonel of the Capital" caused a flicker of surprise in the eyes of the knowledgeable officers nearby.

Was this the man who had soundly defeated Han Sui and become the first person since the era of the founding Emperor Gaozu to hold the vital Sanfu region while serving as the Colonel of the Capital?

Was he truly as young as the rumors suggested? And why, instead of staying in the Guanzhong region, had he come here with only fifty cavalrymen?

The report quickly reached the main command tent. A moment later, the camp gates were thrown wide open.

Liu Heng, his expression calm, led his fifty riders—a stream of black iron—slowly into the bustling, clamorous camp of the coalition forces. Their silence and lethal aura formed a sharp contrast with the restlessness and noise permeating the camp. Wherever they passed, countless soldiers turned to stare and whisper.

Inside the main tent, the atmosphere was lively yet delicate.

Yuan Shao sat in the seat of honor, dressed in fine robes, his spirits high. He was chatting and laughing with those around him, projecting the air of a true leader of the coalition. Not far below him sat a man in brocade and jade, his demeanor arrogant as he toyed with a jade cup. The other warlords were seated in order, some speaking with passion, others smiling with reserve.

When the guard at the tent entrance loudly announced, "The Colonel of the Capital, the Marquis of Yangwu, Liu Heng, has arrived!" the chatter inside died down instantly. All eyes turned toward the entrance.

Liu Heng stepped into the tent, bringing with him a chill from the outside. Dian Wei followed like a shadow, standing beside the entrance like a temple guardian. His fierce gaze swept the room, causing the attendants of the nearby warlords to subconsciously take half a step back.

The fifty armored cavalrymen did not enter the tent, but the silent, black-clad presence outside and Dian Wei’s terrifying aura were enough to exert an invisible pressure on all the lords within.

"The Marquis of Yangwu has come a long way; you must be weary!"

As the leader of the alliance, Yuan Shao was the first to rise, wearing a reserved and appropriate smile. "The Sanfu region is the shield of the capital. That you could spare the time to join our alliance and participate in this righteous cause is truly a blessing for the nation!"

His words were courteous, but deep in his eyes flashed a hint of scrutiny and an imperceptible disdain. Only fifty riders? Was it a lack of strength, or was he merely putting on a show?

Liu Heng returned the salute, neither humble nor overbearing. "General Yuan’s call to arms has spread across the land to denounce the traitor to the state. Though I am untalented, as a kinsman of the Han imperial house, I have a duty to defend the land. How could I dare not to come?"

His gaze swept over the heroes in the tent, pausing briefly on a man seated below Yuan Shao. The man was not tall, with a calm and steady expression—this must be Cao Mengde!

His gaze then moved past another warlord, lingering on the three figures standing at the very end of the row—they were unmistakably Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei!

They were so distinctively characterized. Though Liu Bei’s ears were indeed large and auspicious-looking, his arms were not as long as the legends claimed; the great storyteller Luo had clearly exaggerated, describing the Emperor Zhaolie as if he were a long-armed ape! Lord Guan’s phoenix eyes were slightly open, his brows like silkworms, truly imposing; Lord Zhang’s round eyes were wide, filled with curiosity and scrutiny.

The three men’s eyes met Liu Heng’s briefly. Liu Bei gave a slight nod. Though his expression was calm and his eyes gentle, Liu Heng could sense the tenacity and extraordinary spirit hidden beneath that tranquility.

"Hmph!"

An untimely cold snort broke the brief silence.

A man slammed his jade cup onto the table and glared at Liu Heng, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "The Marquis of Yangwu? The Colonel of the Capital? What grand titles! But..."

He drew out his tone, intentionally letting his gaze wander over the lone Dian Wei behind Liu Heng. "The traitor Dong Zhuo occupies Luoyang, watching like a tiger. The heroes of the world have raised vast armies to purge him. The Marquis of Yangwu sits upon the key lands of the capital, yet you bring only a few dozen horsemen? Do you think Dong Zhuo’s blade is dull, or do you believe the heroes of the East are incapable of the task? Or perhaps... are you afraid?"

The atmosphere in the tent turned awkward.

Yuan Shao frowned slightly but did not stop him. Cao Cao’s eyes flickered as he watched with interest to see how Liu Heng would respond. Behind Gongsun Zan, Zhang Fei’s eyes widened in anger, clearly displeased by the man's arrogance, but he was silenced by a look from Liu Bei.

Facing this blatant provocation, Liu Heng’s face showed no anger; instead, a faint, almost pitying smile appeared.

This fellow was so jumpy; there was no need to guess—it had to be Yuan Shu, that brainless fool. Liu Heng ignored him and turned his gaze toward Yuan Shao in the seat of honor.

His voice was clear and steady, as if stating a settled fact: "Presumably, this is General Gonglu. General, your words are mistaken. Dong Zhuo’s brutality is known to all. However, his foundation lies in Xiliang; Luoyang is a place of four battlegrounds, not a place for him to stay long. Having already committed the act of deposing the Emperor, he must fear the momentum of the righteous forces of the East, and even more, the instability behind him."

He paused, and everyone in the tent leaned in to listen. Even Yuan Shu momentarily forgot to mock him.

"Dong Zhuo’s next move will surely be to hold the Emperor and the officials hostage..." Liu Heng’s voice held the weight of a certain prediction. "He will move West to Chang’an! He will use the natural barriers of the Hangu and Tong Passes to defend himself, while sitting back to watch the heroes of the East fight among themselves!"

"Move West to Chang’an?"

The tent erupted in an uproar! Moving the capital? The idea was too bold! Many showed expressions of shock and doubt. Cao Cao’s eyes flashed with intensity, his body leaning forward slightly, clearly shaken by this daring strategic prediction.

Liu Heng ignored their reactions and continued: "As for being afraid?"

The mocking curve of his lips widened. "Though I am untalented, I have held Zuo Fengyi for four years and have never dared to slacken. Not to mention that when I was first entrusted with the command, I repelled Han Sui at Chencang. Last year in the eighth month, Dong Zhuo sent his son-in-law, Niu Fu, leading five thousand Xiliang elites under the guise of 'pacification' to forcibly cross the Jing River and invade my territory of Yunyang in Zuo Fengyi!"

His gaze was like lightning as it swept through the tent, finally landing on the face of the now-pale Yuan Shu. "General Gonglu, you have surely heard of Niu Fu? He is a trusted confidant of Dong Zhuo and a fierce general of Xiliang."

"However!" Liu Heng’s voice suddenly rose. "That beast was slain by my subordinate, Zhao Yun, on the banks of the Jing River! His five thousand Xiliang troops were crushed by Xu Gongming, who had previously defeated Han Sui. We took three thousand, one hundred and six heads, and captured one thousand, six hundred prisoners!"

"What?"

"Niu Fu’s entire army was wiped out?"

"Zhao Yun? He slew Niu Fu? Could the rumor that Ma Teng died by his hand be true?"

"This Xu Gongming is truly a talented commander, first breaking Han Sui and then destroying Niu Fu! The Marquis of Yangwu has excellent methods and a wealth of talent under his command!"

The tent exploded!

Gasps, questions, and intakes of breath filled the air! Niu Fu! He was Dong Zhuo’s son-in-law and one of the core generals of the Xiliang army! To have quietly fallen in Zuo Fengyi? And with his entire army wiped out without even a ripple?

This news was like a boulder dropped into a deep pool, shocking everyone. The arrogance on Yuan Shu’s face froze, replaced by incredulous shock.

Yuan Shao sat up straight, his eyes gleaming as he re-evaluated the young marquis before him.

Cao Cao stared intently at Liu Heng, as if trying to see right through him.

Liu Heng’s voice was cold, drowning out the clamor. "Afraid? When I was still in Zuo Fengyi, I could slay Niu Fu. Now that I am the Colonel of the Capital, the soldiers of the Sanfu region do not know the meaning of fear! If Dong Zhuo dares to move west, my subordinate, General Xu Huang, will be ready with his elite troops and heavy crossbows at the natural barrier of the Tong Pass! Outside the Hangu Pass, the road will not be smooth either! I brought fifty riders here, not out of fear of Dong Zhuo, nor out of disrespect for the heroes gathered here. It is because the Sanfu region is the gateway to the country and cannot afford to be lost! It requires heavy forces to guard it to ensure everything is secure!"

He looked around the tent, his eyes finally fixing on the red-and-green-faced Yuan Shu. His tone was flat, yet every word was like a blade. "General Gonglu, if you feel that fifty riders are too few to join the alliance, you might want to ask the ghosts of those five thousand Xiliang soldiers whether the troops of my Sanfu are few or many."

As his voice fell, a deathly silence descended upon the tent.

Yuan Shu’s face turned the color of liver, his lips trembling; he wanted to retort but could not utter a single word. The news of Niu Fu’s total defeat was too shocking, like an invisible slap across his face. The iron-blooded strength revealed in Liu Heng’s calm words made his heart palpitate.

Yuan Shao laughed heartily at the right moment, breaking the deadlock. "Good! The Marquis of Yangwu is truly a pillar of the state! With Niu Fu dead, our army’s morale is greatly boosted! With General Xu guarding the Tong Pass, Dong Zhuo’s path to the west is cut off! This is a great achievement!"

He stood up and raised his cup personally. "Come! Prepare a seat for the Marquis of Yangwu and pour him wine! Our alliance has gained a strong reinforcement. The Marquis of Yangwu has the merit of slaying Niu Fu, which deserves a grand toast! Everyone, drink up!"

The atmosphere in the tent revived, and the various warlords raised their cups in response. Yuan Shao introduced the others to Liu Heng.

The way they looked at Liu Heng had changed completely; it was now filled with shock, scrutiny, and even a trace of dread. To have quietly devoured Dong Zhuo’s son-in-law and five thousand elite troops—this level of strength and ruthlessness was not to be trifled with!

Cao Cao took a deep look at Liu Heng and drained his cup, his expression complex.

Behind Gongsun Zan, Guan Yu gave a barely perceptible nod, and Zhang Fei grinned silently, clearly appreciating Liu Heng’s blunt rebuttal of Yuan Shu. Liu Bei remained as calm and gentle as ever, but deep in his eyes, there was a trace of indescribable inquiry and gravity.

Liu Heng drank his wine calmly, as if he had just spoken of an insignificant matter.

He looked toward the east again, in the direction of Luoyang. He sneered internally: An alliance? The fun has only just begun. Dong Zhuo’s fire will only burn brighter, and in the Guanzhong region, the sickle is already sharpened for the harvest.

"The three men behind General Gongsun have an extraordinary air about them; may I ask who they are?" Liu Heng suddenly set down his wine cup.

Gongsun Zan replied, "These are my brothers from childhood, Liu Bei, the Magistrate of Pingyuan."

Liu Heng feigned understanding. "Could this be the Liu Xuande who defeated the Yellow Turbans?"

Gongsun Zan said, "The very same."

After having Liu Bei pay his respects to everyone, Gongsun Zan detailed Liu Bei’s merits and his lineage as a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan.

After listening quietly to this familiar story, Liu Heng was the first to rise and laugh. "Since Brother Xuande is also a kinsman of the Han house, he is of my own clan. Why not bring him a seat?"

Hearing this, Yuan Shao ordered a seat to be brought. "I do not honor you for your rank, but because you are a scion of the imperial house."

Hearing Yuan Shao’s words, Liu Bei said nothing, but Liu Heng groaned internally—damn it, that sounded sickening.

After Liu Bei rose to thank Liu Heng and Yuan Shao and took his seat at the end of the tent, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stood with their hands crossed behind him. Zhang Fei whispered to Guan Yu, "That marquess fellow is actually quite sensible!"

Guan Yu did not speak, and Liu Bei turned his head to glare at Zhang Fei, who looked sullenly away.

Once everyone was seated, Yuan Shao looked around and said, "Now that my brother Yuan Shu is in charge of provisions, we must ensure all camps are well-supplied. We still need a vanguard to reach the Sishui Pass and challenge the enemy. The rest of you shall occupy key positions as reinforcements."

Sun Jian, the Prefect of Changsha, stood up and said, "I am willing to serve as the vanguard."

Seeing Sun Jian show him such respect, Yuan Shao laughed, "Wentai is brave and fierce; you are suited for this task."

Sun Jian then led his troops toward Sishui Pass. The garrison commander at Sishui Pass, knowing he was no match for Sun Jian’s army, hurriedly sent a fast rider to the Prime Minister’s mansion in Luoyang to call for help.

...

Liu Heng didn't care about this; after all, he had already "pre-watched" the future. According to the normal progression, the next step would be Yuan Shu withholding supplies, Sun Jian suffering defeat, and when Hua Xiong eventually appeared, he would send Dian Wei to slay him!

After all, among his fierce generals, Xu Huang and Zhao Yun were already famous, and Chen Shuzhi was well-known for being the first to follow him. Only Dian Wei had not yet had a chance to kill enemies on the battlefield. By bringing only him this time, he was determined to make the name "Evil-Slayer" ring throughout the world.

As for saving Sun Jian, that was out of the question. Regardless of whether his fifty riders could save Sun Jian in his hour of need, he had no interest in doing so. Liu Heng had no particular "sentimental feelings" for this "Tiger of Jiangdong."

A few days later, Sun Jian, as expected, returned in defeat, losing his general Zu Mao in the process. When the coalition heard the news, the tent was in an uproar.

Yuan Shao, in the seat of honor, wore a look of "grief." "I did not expect Sun Wentai to be defeated by Hua Xiong. A few days ago, General Bao’s brother disobeyed orders and advanced without authorization to seize credit, resulting in his death at Sishui Pass and the useless loss of many troops. Now Sun Wentai has been defeated by Hua Xiong, and our morale is shaken. Does anyone have any brilliant ideas?"

The warlords remained silent. Zhang Fei, standing behind Liu Bei, sneered, drawing glances from those nearby; Liu Bei hurriedly turned to give him a look.

Unexpectedly, this scene was seen by Dian Wei, who also chuckled, only to be glared at fiercely by Liu Heng. Yuan Shao’s gaze swept over Liu Heng and his men, and he was just about to speak.

Suddenly, the sound of hoofbeats came from outside the tent, and a scout rushed in, report nervously: "Hua Xiong has led his troops out of the pass, carrying Prefect Sun’s red head-cloth on a long pole. He is now cursing in front of our lines, claiming our coalition is incompetent and that no one dares to challenge him."

As soon as the scout spoke, a chorus of curses erupted in the tent. Liu Heng was secretly pleased—it was time! Brother Dian Wei, wait for me to earn you a chance to make a name for yourself!

Ignoring the chaos in the tent, Yuan Shao said in a deep voice, "Is there anyone who dares to go and fight?"

Yuan Shu nodded slightly to someone behind him, and a man stepped out. "I, the minor general Yu She, am willing to go to the front and slay Hua Xiong."

Yuan Shao was overjoyed—his brother still knew how to show him respect—and ordered Yu She to ride out.

Liu Heng looked at Yuan Shu’s smug face and groaned internally: "He’s already smiling. It seems 'popping the champagne at halftime' is this guy’s tradition. No wonder he dared to declare himself Emperor once he got his hands on the Imperial Seal. Truly, a dog’s belly cannot hold two taels of sesame oil..."